Nº11 NEWS 12/2018

Free Form // Underwater wood construction in South Korea Modular constructions // A pilot project for the school of tomorrow Event construction // Zurich E-Prix banks on sustainability Jobs in timber construction // Five specialists and their career paths 02 /EDITORIAL

Dear Customers, Business Partners and Friends of Timber Construction

Timber construction isn't a trend – it's a key aspect of sustainable development. The world’s most renowned architects have been working with wood for a long time now and are bringing it back to urban centres. Modern technologies and building processes in timber construction are as future oriented as the material itself. They enable quick and accurate construction, facilitate work on site with a high level of prefabrication and open up new prospects for clients, architects and planners.

Over the past year, we have once again been able to create extraordinary and spectacu- lar timber constructions – in places like the UK and South Korea and, for the most part, in Switzerland. Incidentally, like our Austrian neighbours, we Swiss are leaders in timber construction. Visiting groups from all over the world attest to this time and again. On the following pages, you can see for yourself why, 143 years on, we’re still fascinated with wood – and Swiss wood in particular.

We look forward to moving into the future with you, our valued customers and partners. It's about making construction projects happen. But it's also about working together to develop digital tools in planning and execution processes. Our expertise, our reliable services and our committed, skilled employees are what is needed to make this happen. Just like the mutual trust and equal partnership with you, for which we would like to offer our warmest thanks.

Katharina Lehmann

Free Form challenge What actually is parametric planning?

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Major Free Form project

Yeoju, part two: Grand GC project = Blumer-Lehmann AG was the Hall, Learning and general contractor for these projects GC project Recreation Centre, apartment buildings

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch CONTENTS/03

BIM redefines collaboration Digitised construction processes promote collaboration P. 12

A modular model student Berlin plans the flying classroom P. 32 P. 14 Careers at Erlenhof Five specialists – five different © MK Design and Visualization Studio career paths

Silo | System construction 28 General facility planning for the city 21 Family home, Oberbüren | of Ulm (DE) Free Form Wooden White House, Au, ZH | 29 Works yard with silo, Uitikon 04 Major project, Yeoju (KR) A house for two generations 30 Interview with Erich Eisenlohr 06 Working in South Korea Conversions | Renovations Contacts 07 Maggie’s Centre, Leeds (UK) 22 Construction support for new and 31 BL Silobau AG sales team 08 Parametric planning converted buildings | 20 years of 10 Object of desire in Val Lumnezia | the Minergie standard Lehmann Group Mountain railway waiting room, 23 Additional storeys for electrical 32 Jobs in timber construction Frümsen training school, St. Gallen | Granary Lehmann Holzwerk conversion, Romanshorn | ‘House of Modular construction 34 A profile of Urban Jung, CEO Herbs’ in the Weisstannen valley 11 Lattich creative space, St. Gallen 36 Residual timber products 12 Building Information Modelling (BIM) Industry | Commerce Contacts 14 Pilot schoolhouse, Berlin (DE) 24 New Landi branch building, 37 Lehmann Holzwerk AG sales team 16 Züri-Modular school buildings | Gossau, SG Miscellaneous Cantonal school, Uetikon am See | 25 Bio-Beck production facility, 38 2018 Prix Lignum for Chäserrugg School extension building, Boudry Lanterswil | Lion’s den at mountain station | Innovation in Event construction Walter Zoo, Gossau, SG wood | A mock-up for India | 17 Julius Bär Zurich E-Prix Industry | Agriculture Learning Centre Living 26 Agricultural centre, Salez | Internal 18 School building and accommodation, Laying henhouse for the hosberg 39 Summer party at Erlenhof | Tanne Foundation, Langnau am Albis founding family | Chicken feeding Project management office 20 Apartment building, Engelburg | hall for partner Globogal AG expansion Schlösslipark residential complex, Contacts St. Gallen 27 Blumer-Lehmann AG sales team

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 4 /Free Form

Major project in South Korea Our Free Form project expertise

© Shigeru Ban Architects

A few things have changed in the ten years since our installation team flew to Asia for the first time. In 2018, our destination was once again the ‘Haesley Nine Bridges’ golf club in Yeoju, South Korea. Telecommunications haven't just improved reachability and opportunities for organisation and orientation. Our experience in digital planning and producing Free Form constructions, as well as the technical possibilities in production, have developed considerably.

From September 2018 to March 2019, the all conceptual and wood construction planning, tural conditions of the support structure. Just Blumer Lehmann team is setting up six build- production and installation. like in the existing clubhouse, the natural wood ings in addition to the existing clubhouse. They material makes an overwhelming emotional include the Grand Hall, an underground foyer Free Form from a different angle impact on visitors to the underground space. and restaurant with 9 m high pillars in a Free You might call the view from the Grand Hall up Form construction, the three Condo A apart- to the lake with trees on the glass roof spectac- Apartments produced on site ment buildings, a Learning Centre and a Recre- ular. From outside, 22 large potted plants deco- Joinery, cutting to size and finishing for the ation Centre. All additional buildings were once rate the construction. Sixteen stand in a 10 cm floor and ceiling elements in the three apart- again designed by star Japanese architect deep pool of water. In the hall, 22 Free Form ment buildings were carried out at our Gossau Shigeru Ban. The Swiss company Création Holz wooden pillars hold up the support structure of production facility. Due to the large quantity of acted as building consultant. Along with plan- the glass roof. The heavy load of the roof and material, the elements were put together on ning partners Design-to-Production and SJB the water are the reasons behind the design of site in a tent. This occupied four of our team, Kempter Fitze, Blumer Lehmann is in charge of the Free Form cross-section, defining the struc- while another four took charge of installation.

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조감도

Haesley Nine Bridges Resort

Planning was based on the 3D implementation model. Our wood construction planning team was responsible for drawing up the detailed pre-installation and installation plans and pro- Recreation Centre Club House duction data. One striking aspect of the build- ing is the six double roof windows with a Free Grand Hall Form design. Connecting the wood construction Learning Centre to the many glass frontages was a challenging Condo A aspect of planning.

Step-by-step production in Switzerland The two structures being built in early 2019 – the Learning Centre and Recreation Centre – involve overhanging, oblique timber roof con- structions. The two roofs are placed on a pure steel construction on one side and a steel and concrete construction on the other. ‘This was a Free Form construction with constructive rules, // Blumer Lehmann worldwide little less technically demanding in planning was once again the basis for the detail planning terms than the other buildings,’ says Jan and production of the Grand Hall’s curved trees – We have years of experience in the Hempel from the planning team, who often The dimensions of the components were adapt- planning and implementation of deals with complex Free Form geometries. The ed to the dimensions of the freight containers wood construction projects world- Learning Centre is designed to be a place of from the outset. The loading plans for the indi- wide. concentration, while the Recreation Centre is vidual containers were very different, and dif- – Our installation teams are always intended as a place where people can relax ferent people were responsible for planning deployed on location for all projects with a drink at the bar or in the fitness centre loading for each part of the project. The exter- abroad, with local assistance where when their work is done. nal haulier determined the freight route to necessary. South Korea via Antwerp. Together with our – Components logistics, including the A team with plenty of expertise internal export specialist Willem van Zwieten, necessary customs procedures, is With experience from other construction pro- they were also responsible for producing the handled by our experienced special- jects around the globe, our team was practically freight documentation. The containers took ists. able to approach the project as a routine job. around 60 days to get from Gossau to Yeoju. At the beginning of the planning stage, we brought in our trusted partners Design-to-Pro- duction and SJB Kempter Fitze to help. The principle of parameterisation, or simplifying

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 6 /Free Form

Inside Korea

The Blumer Lehmann team on arrival in South Korea.

As well as culinary experiments, focused work is the main element of the team’s daily life on site in South Korea.

Under the supervision of our site manager, Korean-style delicacies Simon Huber, four to eight people from Blumer Even with Google Translate, ordering in a res- Lehmann will be working in South Korea from taurant in Korean is still a challenge. This September 2018 to spring 2019. Project man- means a ‘surprise’ menu is a fixture of the agers for the entire project and its different as- team’s diet, which has one or two of them pects will travel there temporarily when neces- dreaming of Bratwurst sausage and other Swiss sary and support the teams with planning delicacies now and then. expertise. Mister Jo, the local client’s repre- sentative, will act as a helpful link with local A fascination with wood, even in their free workers on site. Otherwise, non-verbal commu- time nication may need to come into play at times. On building sites abroad, members of the in- After all, even a simple undertaking like reserv- stallation team have little free time. In South ing a crane can become a challenge. However, Korea, the working week is from Monday to according to Simon Huber: ‘Essentially, the at- Saturday. But a little sightseeing is definitely a mosphere on a building site in South Korea isn't must. This meant a visit to the roller coaster much different to one in Switzerland. There’s a at the Everland Resort, also built by Blumer very friendly atmosphere. Sometimes we also Lehmann in 2018, was among the destinations get given typical coffee drinks from a can. We for a day out, as well as a visit to the demilita- return the favour with chocolate.’ rised zone between North and South Korea. The stamp for crossing into the demilitarised zone.

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch 7

Lush rooftop gardens for Maggie’s Centre in Leeds

In its design for the Maggie’s Centre in the Brit- timber material ensures that the building will ish city of Leeds, the architectural concept feel comfortable and cosy. from Heatherwick Studio London looks to the therapeutic effect of plants on visitors. Timber Tricky logistics construction work on the architecturally The construction material plays a special role unique structure, which is intended to serve in this innovative construction project. The ar- as a place of encounter and support for cancer chitects from Heatherwick Studio opted for a patients and their loved ones, began in 2018. mix of light spruce and dark beech, which will As the project lead for the planning, engineer- be combined with the traditional lime plaster ing and installation of the timber construction that is widely used in the region. The challenge © Heatherwick Studio elements, we are building three pavilions with for our team was not with the construction ma- lush rooftop gardens. terial, however, but once again with the logis- tics. The trucks delivered the components in Three gently rounded pavilions of varying England according to a precise schedule. They heights of three, six and ten metres together had to be unloaded quickly and carefully as it support during the illness. The institution now comprise the centre. On completion, gardens was absolutely imperative that the entrance to includes more than 20 locations in the United will be planted atop the sweeping roofs of the St. James’s University Hospital, which is also Kingdom and Hong Kong, designed by the likes three pavilions. Gradually, the 25 by 19 m roof used by ambulances, not be blocked by a lorry of Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Foster + Partners area will transform into a lush garden with or crane at any time. The material supplies and (the Manchester location, also implemented by trees and shrubs. One consequence of the gar- concentration of people were not only precise- Blumer Lehmann) and now, in Leeds, Heather- dens is high anchorage forces for the design of ly scheduled, but also continuously recorded wick Studio. The founder Margaret ‘Maggie’ Ke- the structure. However, it also means that the and evaluated by the general contractor. The swick Jencks, herself a cancer patient, believes three roofs will have to accommodate layers of aim of these statistics was to optimise the in the power of architecture and wood as a ma- soil and humus up to 80 cm thick to provide an approach and thus enhance the logistics. terial to improve the well-being of patients. adequate foothold for the roots of the plants. From mid-2019, the Maggie’s Centre in Leeds Large windows will allow plentiful natural light Wellness architecture will complement the medical services of the in the interior, the entire building will benefit The Maggie’s Centres offer cancer patients and nearby St. James’s University Hospital with its from high-quality thermal insulation and the their families a place of refuge and emotional emotional and social support.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 8 /Free Form

Complexity with parametric planning A central production interface

What might seem impossible to build can be made a reality thanks to parametric planning. Flag- ship Free Form projects such as the Cambridge Mosque, the Maggie’s Centre in Leeds or the Grand Hall in Yeoju demonstrate the dramatic range of shapes modern wood construction can take. Architects are also increasingly discovering Free Form for smaller projects.

‘You sit in the office and you think: the compo- lar system with 2,746 individual components in day at the touch of a button,’ laughs Kai. ‘But nents are being delivered in Cambridge today. 145 varieties, they solved the challenging tasks changes are actually easier to implement. Please don't let the phone ring.’ Although Kai of production, logistics and installation. To do When we change the basic shape, all para- Strehlke, in charge of digital CAD/CAM process- this, the project team took advantage of the metrised details and resulting information es at Blumer Lehmann, exudes calm, you can benefits of parametric planning. If the construc- adjusts automatically.’ understand his thinking. After all, the demand- tion is accurately recorded in 3D and the build- ing Free Form construction of Cambridge ing geometry follows certain rules, the construc- The most economically viable means of pro- Mosque offered up some tricky problems for tion elements are virtually put into in the Free duction him and his programming and production team. Form space in the plan. Parameters are used to The effort of parametrisation pays off, particu- Such as the 30 stylised trees. ‘All the same,’ define elements, nodes and connections. larly for large, complex Free Form construc- you might think, if you look at the rendering. Parametric planning of the Cambridge Mosque tions. Our promise is offering high quality Yet some of the wooden beams connect with made it possible to organise the elements into while finding the most financially viable and concrete, some with wood and others connect 145 different types based on shape, size and efficient way for each project. Optimising con- to nothing at all. They are also double curved connection. The parametric data efficiently and struction and engineering is another major step and cannot be placed on a flat surface for pro- precisely controlled the production machinery in this direction. We are best equipped to take cessing. directly and produced each component in the this path with the traditional carpentry exper- required design and quantity. tise and knowledge of planning and production Parametric from planning to production Parametric planning thus enables complex of every single team member and our technical So how did the project team manage to plan construction, virtually flawless production and set-up. Blumer Lehmann created a manually these similar yet different elements efficiently flexible planning. ‘We’re not quite so flexible produced Free Form project only recently. and accurately? By developing a type of modu- that we could change the building on the last ‘Even that went without a hitch.’

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch 9 xx Parametric planning inspired by the Cambridge Mosque xx Supporting axes in the layout and a curved surface form the basis.

First of all, the axes are projected onto the space.

The volume is then generated based on the structural in- formation.

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Then, the blank is produced.

Mock-ups offer certainty ‘For Free Form projects, it’s crucially important to work with the producers and the installation specialists early on’, recommends Kai Strehlke. ‘And testing and developing the idea with the client and manufacturer using a mock-up early on in the design phase.’ That provides the architects, designers and carpenter with Then the nodes and connections are designed, the connectors are important insights into the construction and implemented and the installation sequence is determined. its impact, production, installation, logistics, quality and costs. Or, to sum it up in a word: certainty.

Kai knows what he’s talking about. As a quali- fied architect, he is very familiar with the needs and concerns of the customer, as well as those of the planning and production side. In CAD/CAM production, his team brings together the perspectives of clients and producers, de- velops the production processes and produces the right solution for every project. By the way, when the wood delivery arrived in Cambridge, Finally, the wall and ceil- no telephones rang to disturb the team at ing elements are incorpo- work on Bischofszellerstrasse in Gossau. rated and the interfaces and connections are ‘That’s when you know it's working,’ says Kai undone. Strehlke. For each and every single one of the 2,746 elements.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 10 /Free Form

Object of desire in Val Lumnezia A one-stop shop for renovation and Free Form

Casa Mundaun in Val Lumnezia is intended as a carpentry expertise from traditional handicraft place of retreat and well-being. After the con- to Free Form construction. According to the cli- version, the former restaurant in the heart of ent, this combination of old and new is deliber- the village will be home to five luxurious ately intended to become part of the building’s suites. The new building, which has a Free history in future. Form design, houses the restaurant, the at- tached show kitchen, designed to meet the toughest culinary requirements, and the well- ness and fitness area. The entire complex will also have a basement level for an underground car park. In the structural restoration of the ex- isting building, the client prioritised the preser- vation and, where needed, the replacement of the original building material. Accordingly, the façade and the roof turret are clad with spe- cially produced larch wood shingles. For a year, different configurations of our team have been working on site, contributing their full array of

Local nutshells are worked into the specially made flooring, GIOMOFLEX ® naturo by Uniquefloor.

Staubern mountain railway waiting room 3D model of the support structure. A walnut made from Swiss wood

Frümsen, the Rhine Valley’s ‘nut village’, is cialists on board as contractors to help imple- around 700 spruce components and the inner known for its different varieties of walnuts. ment the project. A 3D scan of a real walnut shell of the nut using solid wood panels. With that in mind, the extraordinary shape of was used as the starting point for the geome- Around 93 m3 of wood was used, 80 % of which the waiting room for the local cable car’s valley try. The wood construction planner then drew came from local forests. Fun fact: this quantity station waiting room was not chosen by acci- on the scan data. Our CAD/CAM specialists will regrow in the Werdenberg-Rhine Valley dent. Sepp Steiger, owner of the company Frei were in charge of drawing up the machine data. region in one day. Holzbau and president of the canton of St. Gal- Our five-axle CNC machine was used for pro- len's association of master carpenters, brought duction. Based on a modular design principle, various planners and timber construction spe- the Frei Holzbau team then put together on site

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch MODULAR CONSTRUCTION/11

New ‘Lattich’ development in St. Gallen

A meeting place with urban flair GC project

The site of the former freight depot in Efficient production and quick installation St. Gallen will soon be home to affordable The wood modules will be prefabricated at our workspaces for the creative industry, made plant by late 2018. This is where they are kit- from 45 wooden modules. The compact work- ted out according to the defined construction First floor floorplan: your own business on just under spaces are the ideal place for working in a standard, with pipes for heating and plumbing, 30 m2 with heating, electricity and internet at an vibrant and inspiring environment. We are insulation, electrical and internet connections. affordable price. planning and creating the modular construction They will then be built and installed on site in the temporary Lattich development. We based on a modular principle in early 2019. are also part of the association funding the project. Modules outlast temporary use sidered for temporary buildings. But this has The modular construction highlights the tempo- not been their only purpose for a long time. Together with the Lattich Association, we rary nature of the complex and indicates both They are ideal for various uses and construc- received the building permit in autumn 2018. mobility and potential for development. After tions that need to meet changing conditions Work began on the freight depot site in No- all, it is already clear that the modules will quickly and easily, such as temporary offices, vember. Small businesses that would like to set have a new life as a work or living space in hotel accommodation, school expansions, ac- up their offices, studios, practice spaces or 10 to 15 years, long after they have been used commodation for asylum seekers, as well as workshops in one or more of the 45 wood in the Lattich development. A major advantage longer-term uses such as annex buildings for modules have been able to apply since October. of the modular construction is that it allows for sports halls, single houses, microapartments or The architectural concept was created by the precise costing and scheduling. Like on the Lat- accommodation for senior citizens. construction firm in situ AG. The artistic façade tich site, modular constructions are often con- was designed by Marcus Gossolt, one of the project’s initiators. Blumer Lehmann is in charge of timber construction planning and implementing the modular construction. Richi Jussel, CEO of Blumer-Lehmann AG, was excit- ed about the idea from the outset and played a considerable role in developing the project: ‘Young people should have space to bring their visions to life and to share knowledge and ‘I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THERE IS expertise. I hope this will lead to more creative GOOD REASON TO USE THE MODULAR young people staying in St. Gallen.’ APPROACH NOT JUST FOR TEMPORARY

Running your own business on 27.6 m2 BUILDINGS. ADVANTAGES SUCH AS Small businesses in industries such as craft, CERTAINTY REGARDING COSTS AND design, communications and architecture can SCHEDULING AND SHORT INSTALLA- lease just under 30 m2 of workspace with heat- ing, electricity and internet connections. All for TION TIMES ON SITE CAN ALSO a price that’s also affordable for start-ups and BENEFIT PERMANENT BUILDINGS.’ the self-employed. There’s also space for a food outlet in the modular construction. An arcade //Richard Jussel with stairs and a lift opens up the workspaces CEO, Blumer-Lehmann AG from outside and makes it easier for people to meet.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 12 /MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Building Information Modelling (BIM) The future of construction

They see major advantages for investors, clients, architects and companies involved in construction when all project stakeholders work together on the 3D planned model: Richard Jussel, CEO of Blumer-Lehmann AG and Adi Grüninger, responsible for digital construction processes at Blumer Lehmann.

The issue of BIM and the digitisation of build- model in a timely, simultaneous, coordinated control the production machinery. And we have ing processes will change the industry forever. and structured way and to interact with each an extensive network of planning specialists, Established interfaces disappear, unnecessary other – ideally at regular meetings or over the subcontractors and suppliers with the neces- aspects are removed and productivity is im- phone. All project stakeholders prepare their sary knowledge. We want to provide architects proved. With wide-ranging experience of pro- data so it is available to everyone on the same and investors with this experience and network jects planned using BIM and a network of busi- platform throughout the entire planning and during the construction process,’ explains Adi nesses with the necessary expertise, Blumer implementation of the project. A property de- Grüninger, responsible for digital construction Lehmann wishes to increase process, schedul- veloped in this way has therefore already been processes at Blumer Lehmann, ‘so they can ing and cost reliability in construction projects planned, monitored and confirmed by all sides monitor and agree to all additional information for architects and investors. An organised digi- in the 3D model. A task system directly linked over the course of the project until it is com- tal platform enables the exchange of data be- to the 3D data helps with this. Queries are sent pleted. After the actual design planning phase tween stakeholders and allows the process to directly to the planning partner. Decisions, is over, they can hand over responsibility for be monitored from the idea to completion of changes and requests are transparent and can implementation – for the entire project or one the building and beyond. be traced. Investors, clients and architects can ‘group of works’. As an experienced partner in thus count on a high level of process certainty the implementation process, we are therefore If you Google the term ‘BIM’, around 75,700,000 and construction quality and can gain an in- able to give our customers a sense of security results appear within 0.45 seconds. Headlines sight into the planned property at any time. and the mental space for new ideas and de- like ‘BIM is the future’ and ‘Mistakes and mis- This results in fewer mistakes, the costs and signs.’ conceptions about BIM’ show that this is a hot schedule can be planned precisely and the topic in the construction industry and one points of contact are clear. Learning from experience which causes some controversy. Richard Jussel, The benefits of the BIM method are highly per- CEO of Blumer-Lehmann AG, describes BIM as a Expertise, experience and network suasive. Projects that explicitly require BIM path of trust. ‘Despite the high level of mecha- ‘Thanks to major projects that we have already process for their implementation are already nisation and other work tools, you need to completed using the BIM process, we at Blumer being publicly tendered. Yet there are still res- speak to each other to understand each other. Lehmann are experienced in joined-up digital ervations in many quarters regarding this plan- More than ever before.’ This is because the BIM planning. The prefabrication principle of timber ning method. ‘The new way of working also method requires all companies involved in the construction also suits the basic concept behind involves risks,’ says Richard Jussel. ‘Every com- project to work together on the same digital 3D BIM. We already use 3D data from planning to pany needs to set out on its own and learn

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Architect

Construction engineer Building technician

Online platform

Client GC/investor

Adi Grüninger: ‘As a partner with experience in projects planned using BIM, we give our clients a sense of securi- ty and mental space for new ideas and designs.’

Facility manager Blumer Lehmann project manager

Modeller

On the BIM platform, all project stakeholders work together on the same digital 3D model in a simultaneous, coordinated and structured way and are in regular contact with each another from the outset. Their data is available to everyone on the joint platform throughout the entire planning and implementation stages.

// The benefits for our customers and clients:

The project stakeholders work together to develop a 3D model of the property. Decisions, changes and requests are transparent and can be traced at all times. – Advice on implementing construc- tion projects using the BIM process – Cost calculation for individual trades from its own experience. The make-up of the BIM ensures transparency and reliability based on the architect’s planning team is an important factor for success. This is In order for us at Blumer Lehmann to be able data (IFC format) selected as early as the planning phase. Once to take charge of and manage BIM processes, – Use of the BIM platform as a tool for the process starts, all partners are dependent we need to be involved in planning at an early shaping the BIM process on each other. Every project stakeholder must stage. As BIM process coordinator and imple- – Strong network of BIM-ready, follow the process and make contributions. It’s mentation team for a project or group of works, owner-operated subcontractors also important that all partners acquire the ex- we take on various tasks that offer the client and subproducers pertise for this interactive, digital approach in added transparency, increased cost and sched- – Coordination of different subcon- 3D. At the end of the process, the production ule security and a structured working approach. tractors in the BIM process machinery is controlled using planning data And our experience shows: this process results – Use of digital BIM planning data and, after construction, the planning data goes in a more efficient workflow and fewer for construction management and from a target to a built reality.’ mistakes during both the planning phase and installation implementation.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 14 /MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

The flying classroom DFK 1.0 GC project Modular construction for modern school concepts

© MK Design and Visualization Studio

The overhang of the roof structure is identical on all sides of the building. Steel rods connect it to an arcade leading around the building. The roof overhang on all sides is also used as a sunshade, making it possible to dispense with other shading elements.

They're planning the school of tomorrow. To- New modular construction concept for a mits the new teaching classroom concepts of gether with Blumer Lehmann, architects from temporary school building the state of Berlin. These so-called ‘cluster the building management department at the ‘It’s a pilot project for both sides,’ says Andreas schools’ have a more open layout than tradi- district office of Tempelhof-Schöneberg in Spieß, adding: ‘If the result of the simplified tional schoolhouses. Compartments replace Berlin are working on a new type of mobile single-storey pilot is satisfactory, it’ll be time to classrooms and corridors and are intended to schoolhouse that meets the requirements of a move on to the next stage of the “flying class- promote a new, open type of learning in the high-quality temporary school. On a visit to room”, DFK 2.0.’ It is designed to allow for dif- building, with spaces to meet and move as well Erlenhof, the Berlin delegation examined the ferent, even narrower building shapes, multiple as open spaces. This represents a challenge for pilot project modules that are under way. storeys and an individual room layout that per- the planning and project team, as supports and

‘Seeing our modules in the flesh is very pleas- ing. The colours in the colour scheme work well together,’ says architect Stefan Mittermaier. ‘The quality of the finish is very good,’ adds Andreas Spieß, the building management team’s head of design. Our guests from the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district office in Berlin are satisfied. Their school project was designed in the internal planning department and two identical versions are being built at different locations in the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district. Blumer-Lehmann AG was awarded the contract as general contractor in the public tender.

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frameworks are used as load-bearing features liminary planning. And as Migga Hug, responsi- rather than walls. On the other hand, this ble for GC projects at Blumer Lehmann, puts it: ‘school without corridors’ doesn’t just benefit ‘The fact that, as a Swiss company, we could teaching staff and students. It also has a posi- still compete in terms of price astounded our tive impact on production costs and simplifies clients. Ultimately, we were best placed to the production process. meet the planners’ complex requirements and were awarded the contract.’ Meeting the school’s needs The mobile schoolhouses are urgently needed Long-distance collaboration in the Berlin district of Tempelhof-Schöneberg It was relatively easy to bridge the 1,000-kilo- to house a growing number of students. How- metre gap between Berlin and Gossau during ever, the planners would prefer not to ap- the planning phase through regular telephone proach the need for school space with conven- conferences. However, the project stakeholders tional buildings but meet the needs of the faced challenges in the shape of laws and school of today. The spaces should enable in- standards that differ in each country but were clusive teaching and intensive collaboration be- key to planning. Installation work at Schulen- tween educators and support learning process- burgring in the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district es in learning communities. It should also help will be completed this year, shortly before teaching staff and students identify with ‘their Christmas. In late January 2019, the school- school’ through its functionality and aesthetic. house on Konradinstrasse will be ready for use. Six large and two smaller classrooms, side Skill, price and sustainability rooms for teachers, a small kitchen, a filing It was clear that a timber construction was the cupboard, a technical room and toilets are right choice from the outset. The clients devel- housed in a single-storey modular construction oped functional performance specifications and with a larch wood façade. a room layout as a basis for the DFK 1.0 ten- der. The re-usability and aesthetic of the modu- lar construction were key criteria for the cli- ents, greatly reducing the number of bidders. After all, it was no mere standard modular con- struction that was required but individual pre-

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 16 /MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Züri-Modular (ZM): a model of success GC project Latest generation in Minergie Eco standard

The latest addition to Züri-Modular’s school The Züri-Modular was designed and has been buildings in Zurich can be found in Hürstholz developed ever since by Bauart Architects and and Allenmoos. Over 50 have been built since Planners. The current version, ZM10, meets the the first Züri-Modular pavilion in the north of Minergie Eco standard. Depending on the loca- Zurich in 1998. ‘First aid in an emergency’ was tion and requirements, the school pavilions the headline in the Swiss newspaper NZZ. The remain in the same location for 10 to 15 years buildings’ main benefit: due to a shorter ap- before being set up again on a different site. proval process, a high level of prefabrication As GC, Blumer Lehmann is in charge of and short construction times, a relatively flexi- construction from the concrete foundations up. ble approach can be taken to changing student numbers.

GC project Uetikon am See cantonal school A pop-up high school for a decade

The modular timber construction of the tempo- rary schoolhouse for the cantonal school in Uetikon am See immediately catches the eye. It is designed for ten years of use and to offer both students and teachers an ideal learning and working atmosphere throughout that time. Once the school has moved to its permanent location, the modules can be re-used in a dif- ferent location for at least another 20 years. As GC, we managed this project from the concrete foundations up. The client was the canton of Zurich. ARGE B.E.R.G. Architekten / Schlatter wooden passageway. These were designed by ment also includes ten specialist, preparation Bauleitungen were responsible for the build- the construction firm in situ from Zurich. There and instrument rooms and a laboratory, as well ing's architecture. The temporary development are around 30 classrooms with space for up to as an eating and leisure space and several ad- has two three-storey buildings connected by a 500 students on the three levels. The develop- ministrative spaces.

GC project Boudry school extension Convertible modular construction for generations to come

You could say that Boudry is booming. In re- and complying with the Minergie P standard. cent years, the little town in the canton of Neu- For several months now, children aged from châtel has seen its population grow massively four to 12 have been learning, playing and din- and the trend is continuing. Additional school ing in the new extension with its comfortable space was urgently needed. Flexibility, rapid indoor climate and strikingly colourful façade. implementation, comparatively low costs – Our planning team and the clients were even these benefits of modular timber construction one step ahead. The modular building is won over the Boudry construction managers. designed to easily allow additional storeys. They chose an L-shaped school building con- sisting of 12 large and seven smaller modules

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch EVENT CONSTRUCTION/17

© FIA Formula E

Sustainable timber construction on the home straight

The Julius Bär Zurich E-Prix combines the topic to be done on site was assemble and screw ments. As early as the design stage, the plan- of mobility with innovation and sustainability, them together. Martin Bender, responsible for ning team also made sure to use as little wear captivating viewers of all ages. We combined international project sales at Blumer Lehmann, material as possible. these very aspects in the construction of three even speaks of a track record: ‘160 m in event constructions for this occasion. And even 60 hours! We installed the two-storey garage achieved a track record – thanks to the top per- building, exactly 158.5 m long and 10 m wide, formance of our production and installation in a 24-hour shift pattern in under three days. team. To meet this scheduling specification, we planned every single move of every crane and Managed by event organisers Swiss E-Prix Op- didn’t even allow ourselves 15 minutes’ delay.’ erations AG, the completely electric Formula E racing cars sped through the centre of Zurich Inner-city traffic and limited storage options for the first time in June. And finished up by demanded this precise schedule for installation. zooming to their destination beneath the feet All planning, production, installation and logis- and excited gazes of viewers in the E-Cube tics workflows were therefore planned down to building. The two-storey wooden event con- the minute. In the event that a lift or a crane struction, boasting a restaurant, lounge and went out of service, the back-up plan set out roof terrace, spanned the finish line. It allowed replacement measures for every step of con- visitors to experience the sustainable racing struction. ‘We were able to rely on the Blumer spectacle up close and personal in a 22 by Lehmann team completely, and we’re delighted 20 m hospitality space. with their skilled work,’ confirms Pascal Derron, founder and CEO of Swiss E-Prix Every move of every crane planned Operations AG. As well as the E-Cube at the finish line and a technical and catering building, we built the Sustainability on the entire route two-storey pit lane with hospitality and 11 pits The entire concept of the Julius Bär Zurich for 44 racing cars. All three buildings were pre- E-Prix is geared towards a CO2-neutral environ- fabricated from timber elements in our produc- mental footprint. This is naturally an ideal fit tion facility in Gossau. Practically all that had for our prefabricated and reusable wooden ele-

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 18 /LIVING

A common ‘sense’ construction An architectural concept with real feeling

The wood construction visually enriches the existing building’s construction. © Scheibler & Villard

People who can see and hear very little or The specific needs of infants, children, young nothing at all are guided by their sense of taste people and adults born with hearing and visual and smell and the perception of vibrations. impairments and other (sensory) impairments // Multi-storey timber construction – The ‘Farfalla’ project by Scheibler & Villard Ar- are crucial to the new development for the forward-looking advantages chitekten for the new school building and ac- Swiss Centre of Competence for the Deafblind commodation for the ‘Tanne’ Swiss Centre of in Albis. Accordingly, the concrete stairwell • Requires less grey energy than Competence for the Deafblind was based en- feels completely different in the structure and concrete and steel tirely on the needs of its future occupants. It temperature of its surface and smells complete- • Saves CO2 combines wood and concrete construction, ly different from the wooden school and living • Ensures high, regional green and red tones as well as indoors and spaces. The colour red for living and green for value creation and many outdoors to help them get around. school also help guide the way. The separation jobs of living and school areas over two buildings • Creates a healthy, natural room that are only connected on the ground floor climate and a comfortable living creates a journey to school or work. This allows environment the occupants to experience a clear separation • Offers unlimited design options between their home and their day-to-day occu- • Is economical and low pation, even if only briefly. For a moment, they maintenance can sense, for example, if it might be raining • Offers clients significant outside. ‘Perceiving and being guided by as process and cost reliability many senses as possible is key to the design,’ says Sylvain Villard from Scheibler & Villard Architekten. ‘The materials, the construction, the design – everything is part of this basic idea.’

Masters of several trades Blumer-Lehmann AG was awarded the contract what followed over the course of the project as for the new school building and accommoda- constructive collaboration. ‘The concrete core tion because we had a great deal to contribute and attached volumes of timber come together to the project – as well as a competitive quote. in the building to form a coherent, hybrid Structure, timber construction, façade construc- whole. Both constructions are equally impor- tion, interior construction – and the fact that tant and required constant coordination be- we were able to offer not just one but several tween all project stakeholders. In fire protec- different trades was another reason for the tion, for instance, or minimising acoustic or granting of the contract. The wide-ranging visual disruptions because people with visual

© Rasmus Norlander technical expertise of our timber construction and hearing impairments may react to these specialists was also a convincing argument in much more sensitively.’ Concrete core with attached wooden volumes. this public tender. Sylvain Villard describes

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Images: Scheibler & Villard

Learning and living in a comfortable atmosphere: to help guide the way, the learning spaces are in green tones and the living spaces in red.

A living environment created by wood wood. The architect is firmly convinced of this. great deal from the complex project himself. He For Sylvain Villard, the advantages of timber ‘They love to touch the wooden material. We describes the work with Blumer-Lehmann AG construction are partly in implementation as think that they will feel particularly good in a as enriching. The new development will also the timber and concrete construction project living environment made of wood.’ have an enriching effect for the clients, the teams can work simultaneously thanks to the Swiss Centre of Competence for the Deafblind. prefabrication of the wooden features, thus Enriching in many senses The wooden construction enhances the brick saving time. But the concept of sustainability The floors have already been cast, the roof has structure of the previous building and creates a also played an important role, even when the been put up and the pipes have been laid. The diverse array of materials and designs on site, project was just an idea. Above all, however, building shell of the ‘Tanne’ is complete and the opening up new opportunities for contrasting the children, young people and adults will react new building will be ready for use in spring perceptions of living and learning spaces. positively to the living environment created by 2019. According to Sylvain Villard, he learned a

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 20 /LIVING

Apartment building with commercial and living spaces A massive achievement in Engelburg

It took four years from the request for a quota- windowsills and shutters are inspired by the ‘terrace’ balcony was created from overhanging tion to the completion of the apartment build- lush Alpstein meadow. The roof, with its 15 dif- Lignatur elements thanks to the special roof ing in the centre of Engelburg. The lengthy ap- ferent surfaces, three windows and numerous construction. proval procedure and the laborious digging ridges, gives the building its unique shape. No process delayed the start of the project to May less than 22 roof windows in the top-floor 2017. Our project and planning team had a few apartments ensure plenty of light and pano- hurdles to overcome and demonstrated its flex- ramic views. The apartments’ large cantilever ibility on several occasions. For example, the balconies, at up to 95 m2 per storey, also offer topping-out date was postponed at short no- a magnificent view of the Alpstein. This type of tice. At this point, the wooden construction of three of the four storeys had already been pro- duced and had to be stored for six months.

There is, however, no trace of this in the mod- ern building with commercial spaces on the basement floor and eight apartments on the levels above. The 'mountain' stands out proudly in the centre of Engelburg. The architect, Linus Mäder from inform architekten, was inspired by the Alpstein massif. The silhouette of the Säntis mountain chain in particular was the ar- chitect’s inspiration for the geometry of the building with its unique roof shape. The colour grey was consciously chosen for the new de- velopment to recall the craggy rocks. The green

Schlösslipark St. Gallen Urban living close to nature

A modern development of high-quality apart- ment buildings in a sunny location is taking shape in Schlösslipark, in the Haggen district of St. Gallen. It blends harmoniously into the ex- isting neighbourhood. The apartment buildings are turned slightly and at an angle to each oth- er. This gives the development a certain light- ness of touch. The development is home to six- ty ultra-modern and bright rental apartments in five buildings with four storeys each. Each apartment has a terrace, a balcony or a garden seating area. The ground floor of Building 1 is intended for commercial use. The buildings will vertical pre-aged spruce formwork. Floor- made from vertical wooden slats, create the be ready for use in autumn 2019. Planned by to-ceiling windows are built into the wall ele- necessary privacy while allowing a view of the Holzer Kobler Architekturen from Zurich, the ments in our Erlenhof production facility. leafy surroundings – for urban living close to buildings are made from a hybrid of wood and The elements are then supplied to the building nature. concrete. We are in charge of planning and pro- site and placed in the right position between duction of the wall elements, façade cladding the solid construction and the scaffolding using For more information on the project, visit and balcony railings. The walls, built using the a crane. This process guarantees swift installa- www.schloesslipark.sg element construction method, are encased in a tion. The balcony railings and dividing walls,

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch 21

A family home in Oberbüren GC project Out of the woods

Bruno Brülisauer works with wood every single mann Holzwerk product, fulfils its decorative day. As a forklift driver and crane operator at purpose. Since the scaffolding was removed, Lehmann Holzwerk AG, he reliably transports the natural larch façade appears in all its maj- the raw material to and from the Erlenhof site. esty. It's a very natural fit with the surround- It seems as if Bruno couldn’t get enough, even ings. Bruno and his wife placed a great deal of in his personal life. He and his wife had always trust in their colleagues from Blumer-Lehmann dreamed of living in a building made of timber. AG for their building project. They were par- Finally, in spring 2018, his wife’s parents’ ticularly delighted to be able to supervise the house in Oberbüren gave way to a two-storey project from start to finish – from planning and timber construction. The two storeys are linked building application to construction and com- by a wooden staircase. And in the living room, pletion. the structured wooden ceiling ‘Säntis’, a Leh-

America meets Lake Zurich The wooden White House

It isn’t the White House in Washington DC we’re façade to fit the site. Inside, the wooden talking about here – it's the wooden white theme continues: the ceilings are made from house on the gentle slope in the little rural spot white-painted three-layer panels and the cen- Au near Wädenswil. Inspired by the American trepiece of the ground floor is an extraordinary style of wooden house, the architect Linus wooden staircase that also acts as shelving and Mäder from inform architekten designed this a guardrail. Timber was also used for both bal- detached house. We were able to assist with conies and the roof terrace in the form of ther- the project early on and contribute to the di- mal ash – which happened to be supplied by mensioning, choice of materials and tender in Lehmann Holzwerk AG. The view of Lake Zu- the preliminary project stage. rich is stunning – and the owner of the house The angular layout of the three-storey house is can enjoy it from right here. due to the unconventional shape of the plot. This allows the building with the white wooden

An apartment building replaces a former barn Two generations under one roof

In January 2017, Martin Eggenberger, a project But his family also made major contributions to manager at Blumer-Lehmann AG, began plan- the construction project. The result is a ning his new home from the ground up. It was three-storey apartment building with a con- important to him that he could contribute a lot crete basement and stairwell. The timber to his own private new build, particularly in framework construction built on top houses the planning phase. To move ahead quickly five apartments; for his parents, for his own with construction, he also commissioned an ar- use and to let. The new development with the chitecture firm for the site management, ten- pre-aged pine façade is close to the agricultural dering and collection of quotations. As a client, zone and is situated where his grandparents’ he took the lead now and then and spurred the old barn once stood. building project on with his many years of pro- fessional experience. Joining forces meant that his own home could be created more quickly. His work colleagues mostly handled the con- struction of the high-quality wooden building.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 22 /CONVERSIONS // RENOVATIONS

Professional construction support for new and // Our services converted buildings – Complete recording of the building All under one roof – Feasibility studies – Handling funding proposals – Coordinating energy certifications – Component calculations – Proposals for renovation – Implementation planning – Building applications for conversions and new builds – Construction management for conversions and new builds – Production and installation of timber construction

Planning with energy Based on the survey, our clients receive a spe- More and more properties are becoming out- whether for a detached house or an apartment cific proposal for measures and their associat- dated and are in need of renovation or com- block, an individual property or a major ed costs. The associated feasibility study shows plete conversion. Even the building shell often project. which additional costs result from conversion no longer complies with current construction At the beginning of a renovation project, the and later upkeep and to what extent the rec- standards for energy efficiency. Through a con- property’s energy efficiency (building shell, ommended investments are worthwhile. If nec- versions or renovation, existing properties can heating system) is recorded. This helps identify essary, our specialist takes care of all funding be brought up to date with regard to energy weak points and can be used to plan suitable proposals and the necessary energy certifica- consumption. Furthermore, modernisation measures and come up with specific energy tions for all cantonal and communal authorities, through timber construction is sustainable, saving options. thus taking the load off the clients.

Supervising and implementing construction Once the detail planning has been produced, quotations are collected from construction ‘AS CARPENTERS, WE'RE EXPERTS firms. Our project manager will take on all pro- IN BUILDING SHELLS. THIS IS WHERE cessing and coordination with third parties if THE BIGGEST POTENTIAL FOR ENERGY preferred. For maximum energy-saving poten- tial, it’s not only professional planning that is SAVINGS CAN BE FOUND.’ crucial. Professional implementation is also key. As experts in timber construction, we have //Christian Giger a great deal of experience – in planning, imple- Qualified energy consultant at Blumer-Lehmann AG menting and managing new and converted projects of all sizes.

A celebration for Minergie A standard for comfort, efficiency and conservation of value

In 2018, Minergie, the Swiss standard for com- structed to the Minergie standard rather than fort, efficiency and conservation of value, is the statutory minimum requirement. This is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Around one akin to the energy consumption of the city of million people are already living, working, Lucerne in the same period. learning or spending their leisure time in Blumer Lehmann was one of the first timber Minergie buildings. Over 46,000 buildings in construction companies to use the Minergie Switzerland are now certified with the Miner- standard. We are delighted that we have been gie label. A total of 50 billion kilowatt hours of able to make our contribution to actively energy and 10 million tons of CO2 have been protecting the climate and we will, of course, saved since 1998 due to buildings being con- continue to do so.

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Additional storeys for electrical training school Teaching and learning on two new storeys

At first glance, it’s hard to spot the timber con- were able to leave the wooden ceilings visible struction behind the electrical training school. and equip them with integrated noise absorp- It's equally hard to tell that the building has tion. The ceilings therefore make a major con- been expanded by two additional storeys. It is tribution to good spatial acoustics. Thanks to a hybrid construction in the form of a steel adaptations to the fire protection regulations in skeleton with wall and roof elements in wood. 2015, it was also possible to use timber con- This is partly because the city of St. Gallen re- struction to extend the staircase. We prepared quired that the building be expanded with the the floor and staircase elements in the factory same visual appearance – with a plaster façade and brought them straight into the building. and the original style of windows. Inside, how- Installation was correspondingly swift. We ever, you can really see and feel the wood. The worked very closely with the specialist plan- ceilings in the new classrooms are made from ning team with regard to the fire and noise process on our side. Now, there’s nothing to Lignatur elements. Despite the stringent re- protection requirements. This intensive plan- stand in the way of teaching and learning in quirements for fire and noise protection, we ning ultimately made for a smooth construction comfortable surroundings.

Romanshorn granary conversion Careful handling of historic heritage

The historic granary in Romanshorn offers a dling of the historic building material. The great deal of space at over 9,000 m². New life conversion therefore requires not only solid was breathed into the former warehouse this knowledge of timber construction but a certain year. The building, erected in 1870/1871 by degree of sensitivity in its execution. We are the Nordostbahn railway company, was used to upgrading the building’s old timber construc- store food and commercial goods of all kinds. tions, taking principles of conservation into However, the large storehouses became less account. Plans are in place for this impressive and less important and were ultimately given testament to the past to appear in its modern up. This project will breathe new life into them. guise in spring 2020. It consists of an extraordinary space for living, exhibitions and leisure – in historic surround- ings right by the lake. A key priority for the Kornhaus Romanshorn AG client, Dr Peter Schnückel, is careful han-

'House of Herbs' in the Weisstannen valley A celebration for Minergie A new look for proven expertise A standard for comfort, efficiency and conservation of value Only handmade products are sold in the Alten our Erlenhof site and the components were Post museum shop in the Weisstannen valley – prefabricated and made in our production facil- made from fresh herbs from the herb garden ity before being sent to the Weisstannen valley. and growing wild on site. The herbs are dried There, volunteers put together the ‘construction in the new ‘Chrüterhüsli’ or ‘House of Herbs’ kit’ with the traditional craft of the carpenter – that offers an ideal indoor climate for drying by hand and in their own time. And that's not the precious herbs. They are used to make all: the neat little house isn’t just functional – it high-quality products such as teas, vinegar, also blends in wonderfully with the surround- syrup, soaps and much more. The small block ings. house made from solid construction wood was planned by Blumer-Lehmann AG using a histor- ic building method. The wood was then cut at

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 24 /INDUSTRY // COMMERCE

New Landi branch in Gossau GC project A timber construction for our neighbours

Joy and relief were on the faces of all those lition of the former timber market three construction and building technology, The new present in September 2017 when the ground months later. He had, after all, been the client Landi on Bischofszellerstrasse, at 1,760 m2, is was broken for the new Landi branch in for that building in 1986. Right at the begin- four times bigger than the previous building on Gossau. At the beginning of the planning phase, ning of the building works, the former base- Bahnhofstrasse. This allows for a much better over 10 years ago, there were no plans for a ment was turned into an extinguishing water presentation of the store’s wide product range new building. The intention was to convert the reservoir. In the event of a fire, this prevents to customers. And with around 60 parking existing building on Bischofszellerstrasse. contamination of the adjoining stream, which spaces, there’s no longer anything to stand in However, for a variety of reasons, the project had to be restored to its natural condition by the way of convenient shopping trip to Landi was postponed time and again. Ultimately, the law. The initial construction phase was then as of December 2018. client opted for a new build, which we were interrupted again for three weeks due to the given the opportunity to plan, coordinate and onset of winter. The rest of the construction implement as part of a joint GC contract. The period continued without incident. Around a result is a building with architecture that’s year after ground was broken, the topping-out unusual for Landi. ceremony took place in September 2018.

The ‘Landverband’ association bought the prop- Façade with a 3D Landi logo erty on Bischofszellerstrasse back in 2006. The result is a single-storey timber construc- Until 2015, the plan was to convert the exist- tion with three gable roofs and a wooden ing building – the former Lehmann timber mar- façade made from pre-aged rough-cut spruce ket – and use it as the new Landi in Gossau. slats. A dyed wind paper behind the vertical The building materials from 1986 had a good slats creates a green shimmer effect. Another 30 years left in them. Yet the building had two striking feature is the 3D Landi logo that we storeys, was angular and had insufficient have integrated into the façade's formwork. To height. Accordingly, the LV St. Gallen decided create this, milled all the façade elements on on a new building. Renovation would only have our CNC machine. As general contractor, we been slightly more affordable. were responsible for the building shell, includ- ing the roof, façade, doors, gateways and win- Tools downed for the onset of winter dows. We planned, coordinated and supported The building permit was issued in autumn the remaining implementation work in accord- 2017. It was with mixed feelings that our sen- ance with the construction management brief, ior boss Leonard Lehmann followed the demo- such as ordinary construction work, interior

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GC project

New production facility for Bio-Beck Lehmann An entrepreneur’s bold expansion

In order for Bio-Beck Lehmann to keep its tire implementation stage. The result is a re- promise of ‘Producing fine products, day after placement building with a concrete basement day’, expansion was required. After all, the level and three additional storeys constructed company run by Anna Lehmann, who is the from wood. The ground floor of the new build- second generation to take charge of the busi- ing houses production, packing and the retail ness, has grown dramatically in recent years unit. Offices, comfortable washing facilities and the lack of space was becoming increasing- with cloakrooms for staff and a spacious ly noticeable. staffroom with a kitchen are upstairs. A stylish The client involved us from the very beginning wooden staircase offers direct access from the in her plans to build a new production facility. idyllic organic garden to the upper floors. The Our architect Vinogithan Premakumaran pro- topping-out ceremony took place in late August duced a draft design based on her ideas. We 2018 and production could be moved into the were then awarded the contract for detail plan- finished building at the end of October 2018. ning, the tendering of all trades, the awarding Andreas Lehmann, founder of Bio-Beck Leh- of contracts to subcontractors, site manage- mann and a pioneer in the production of organ- ment and implementation of the timber con- ic baked goods, laid the foundation for today’s struction. Communication with the client was company together with his wife in 1976. The very cooperative and pleasant. Anna Lehmann, business has adhered to the philosophy of or- herself a trained draughtswoman, contributed ganic production and now, more than ever, all her knowledge and vision to the project and bakery, patisserie and confectionery products kept an eye on the details throughout the en- are organically certified.

New lion’s den for Walter Zoo A classroom in the lion’s den

The lions are back at the Abenteuerland Walter Zoo in Gossau. With the construction of the lion’s den designed by Huser Schnell Architek- ten, they are now housed in spacious outdoor and indoor facilities. It wasn’t just the lions who got a new building: above the feline pred- ators’ indoor facility, a lodge has been built for various uses. We worked out the details for the wooden construction in close collaboration with the client, the Federer family. The focus the building's functionality. A kiosk, a comfort- able viewing terrace in larch wood and a store- room were built. As well as the lion enclosure, the construction also has space for the zoo school. This comfortable classroom is available as an extracurricular space for learning. This allows class visits and other curious groups to move their lessons to the Walter Zoo for a few hours or days.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 26 /INDUSTRY // AGRICULTURE

Agricultural centre, Salez Low-tech building with strategy

The low-tech concept for a building with mini- For example, there is absolutely no ventilation mal technology was not initially on the agenda system in the building. Instead, budding farm- of the competition for the expansion of the ers regulate the indoor climate in their class- Salez agricultural school. It was the St. Gallen rooms themselves through regular cross-venti- Building Department, under the supervision of lation. The users therefore have to take more Werner Binotto, that first saw the potential for responsibility for the climate in the room. creating a low-tech building in architect Andy The wooden construction also contributes to Senn’s winning project. As it turned out, the the ambience of the room. We were in charge high-ceilinged spaces, the clear building grid of the detail planning and implementation of and the shading of the façade by balconies of- the building shell as well as the production and fered the ideal conditions for avoiding building installation of the wall elements and support technology and saving on energy and mainte- structure using oak, spruce and pine wood. The nance costs. Accordingly, the project stakehold- new building meets the requirements of the ers reduced the technical facilities in the over- 2000-watt society with its energy-saving low- all planning process and used aspects of tech concept, the sustainable timber construc- The cross-ventilation is a key element in ensuring architecture to create the required level of tion, the wood-chip heating system and solar comfort. comfort. energy production.

Laying henhouse for the hosberg founding family Organic eggs from the Zurich Oberland

For many years, we have worked closely with the planning, production and installation of the the Reinhard family, the founding family of building. hosberg AG. So it gave us great pleasure to help create the new building for their own or- ganic laying henhouse in Rüti in the canton of Zurich. We developed the henhouse concept with Alfred Reinhard, the company’s founder, over 25 years ago. Thanks to constant develop- ment, hosberg AG’s partner businesses can now benefit from a fully developed concept that of- fers the ideal conditions for keeping animals. Incidentally, all we needed was six weeks for

Chicken feeding hall for partner Globogal AG Installed in record time

// Blumer-Lehmann AG services for The chicken feeding hall in Kallnach was built barn construction: in five days. This was in spite of considerable dimensions of 67 m in length and 25 m in – Timber construction project planning width and a usable space of 1,200 m2. The cov- – Timber construction detail planning ering is made from sandwich panels and clad – Production at the plant with a pressure-treated formwork in spruce. – On-site installation Our partner Globogal AG planned and imple- – Coordination with stall equipment mented the custom-made concept for the barn provider Globogal AG or others equipment.

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch CONTACTS/27

Blumer-Lehmann AG Compelling precision

We develop the right wood construction solution for your project

Resource efficient, economically viable, eco-friendly: these are just a few of the bene- fits of wood construction that are sure to win over clients, investors and architects. Thanks to our many years of experience, we are the right partner to help make your visions in timber a reality.

// Our services: – Timber construction engineering – Production and installation of timber construction – Project management and technical planning of timber construction – Conversions and energy-related renovations – Coordination of all product stakeholders as GC or JC Richard Jussel Markus Rutz – Overall project management of international projects including CEO | Project development Head of Sales production and logistics T +41 71 388 58 61 T +41 71 388 58 40 [email protected] [email protected]

Martin Bender Martin Looser Marco Gemperle Lukas Osterwalder Free Form sales I Timber construction sales I Residential construction sales Commercial sales | Industry | Agriculture International projects International projects T +41 71 388 58 55 T +41 71 388 58 20 T +41 71 388 52 51 T +41 71 388 58 28 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Migga Hug Yannick Neumann Peter Holenstein Roland Meier GC projects | Modular construction, Modular construction sales Conversion and renovation sales External timber frame components, sales, German-speaking Switzerland French-speaking Switzerland T +41 71 388 58 46 Head of Purchasing T +41 71 388 58 23 T +41 71 388 52 75 [email protected] T +41 71 388 58 62 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 28 /SILO SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION

General waste disposal facility A challenging planning project in Ulm

A warehouse for 4,000 tonnes of salt, specific fire safety provisions, a complex struc- our rotary control, we can supply up to a third 150 tonnes of gravel and 12 vehicles, a brine ture and additional circumstances such as the more salt in comparison to the previous model. mixing facility with two storage tanks, a salt adjoining tram works had an impact on plan- Blockages in the pipe system, which sometimes silo with a capacity of 200 m3 and a fully auto- ning.’ Incidentally, the dividing walls in the occurred previously, are no longer possible,’ mated modular conveyor system for loading – storage space are designed in such a way that explains Andi Grabher. The general facility is these are just a few of the impressive stats for they can be moved based on the amount being also equipped with a fully automated brine the city of Ulm’s new general waste disposal stored. generator (8,000 l/ h), which directly procures facility. In November 2017, BL Silobau AG the salt from the silo and fills two brine storage received the contract for the works as the Salt isn’t just salt tanks with a volume of 40,000 l each. Multiple sub-contractor of a German master builder In a harsh winter, the 200 m3 is used up within vehicles can be loaded at once from two brine who entrusted us with the entire planning and an estimated two days. The conveyor system extraction points. An integrated measuring and implementation process. The construction pro- attached to the silo is therefore used to top up weighing system records all extractions of salt ject was implemented from January to May the salt from the warehouse where necessary. and brine and assigns them to each vehicle. 2018. And salt isn’t just salt. Depending on weather conditions, the moisture and, consequently, the Andi Grabher concludes: ‘I’m happy with how ‘At 55 m long and 20.5 m wide, this is one of weight of the salt can vary, That's when the the project went. Thanks to the smooth cooper- the biggest salt and gravel warehouses we variable rotary control comes into play. It ation with our client, you could barely feel the have ever produced,’ says Andreas Grabher, works with the pressure sensors to automati- physical distance and I was only on site in Ulm project manager at BL Silobau AG. ‘All in all, it cally regulate the speed at which the salt is a few times.’ was a technically demanding project. As well as conveyed. This process is monitored by a re- the requirements for silo and brine technology, mote-controlled maintenance portal. ‘Thanks to

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1 Conveyor system for loading from the hall with wheel loader 2 Conveyor line 3 Filter system for exhaust 4 Salt silo 5 Salt rinsing in brine generator 4 2 6 Brine storage tank 7 Pumping and control technology 8 Brine extraction

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12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch/silo 29

Uitikon works yard Architecturally and aesthetically ambitious

This joint project between BL Silobau AG and boid formwork in larch wood and to equip the Blumer-Lehmann AG in Uitikon in the canton of silo construction with a wooden substructure. It Zurich is proof that a works yard can also catch was not clear from the outset that the works the eye. We worked together to create a star- yard should be a joint project between BL shaped timber construction with a built-in Silobau and Blumer-Lehmann AG. However, in spreading salt silo, a cold and warm warehouse, hindsight, it seems logical. This allowed the a washing hall, an open hall and a two-storey planning team and the client to benefit from operations building. The in-built modular silo our significant internal expertise in timber con- has a capacity of 100 m3. Another feature of struction and rapid channels of communication. the silo technology is the mobile return con- The challenge in planning was the facility’s veyor for transporting the residual salt inside layout. The 12 m long slats used for the roof the silo. The architecture and structure of the elements were specially made for the construc- building were already described in a compre- tion. The 17.5 m long single-piece roof hensive listing when the contact was awarded. elements are also a special feature. The facility This also included the plans of S2 Stucky was opened in September 2018 and the silo Schnee­beli Architekten’s planning team to clad system is already preparing for its first winter the building and silo fully in a rough-cut rhom- of use.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch/silo 12/2018 30 /SILO SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION

In conversation with Erich Eisenlohr

What exactly is your role, Erich?

Together with my team, I conduct inspections and maintenance work on silo and brine facilities and conveyor systems. Our patch covers all of Switzerland, Austria and Germany and extends into other European countries. We inspect and maintain facilities that come from our workshop as well as external facilities. Every year, Erich Eisenlohr, responsible for the service and maintenance our team of eight works on many different properties. team at BL Silobau AG, describes his work routine.

How often does a silo need to be maintained?

There are no general rules. It really depends on the location and the construction of the silo. We recommend that our customers have an initial service carried out five years after commissioning. For a ten-year silo, it makes more sense to inspect this more regularly, around every one to three years. Our work involves conducting an inspection on site. This involves different measurements, like the resistance of the wood or moisture. Our customer then receives an evaluation report. If necessary, we then put together a quote for the required maintenance work and perform the re- pairs.

Are you often out and about, then?

I would say that my job is around 50 % office work and 50 % on-site work with custom- ers. I like this combination. I've been working at BL Silobau AG since 2006 and I find my work very varied. Spring is high season. Silo and brine facilities are in particular need of care after a tough winter. Depending on the situation, we go out as a team or on our own.

How has your work changed in recent years? And the requirements for your team?

The work has become more demanding in the sense that more data is recorded. At the end of the day, the silo constructions are also becoming increasingly complex. Thanks to our many years of experience, we are constantly developing our products and learning from our work in service and maintenance.

What are the day-to-day challenges of your job?

They are quite varied. The trickiest situation is when I need to convince a customer that the silo has reached the end of its shelf life and needs to be replaced.

And what do you particularly enjoy about your job?

I like working with the team. We get along really well with each other.

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch/silo CONTACTS/31

BL Silobau AG Fascinating capacities

Complete solutions for winter road services

Wood is ideal for the storage of salt. For over 30 years, we have offered complete individual solutions for winter road services throughout Europe. From planning to installation.

// Our complete solutions for winter road services: – Silo facilities for salt, gravel, sand and other spreading materials – Individually planned facilities – Salt storage depots – High-performance conveyor systems – Brine tanks and generators – State-of-the-art control, measurement and weighing technology

// Our service and maintenance for silo and brine facilities: – Comprehensive checks and maintenance for silo and brine systems from all manufacturers – Creation of measurement logs and detailed overall reports – Analysis of the condition of the facilities – Development of renovation concepts – Conversion, renovation, expansion and renewal of facilities of all types

Jakob Frischknecht Roger Brander Hans-Georg Hirt Erich Eisenlohr CEO | Sales Deputy CEO | Head of Sales Sales, Germany | Brine technology Head of Service and Maintenance T +41 71 388 58 10 T +41 71 388 58 73 T +49 8232 9597 871 T +41 71 388 58 45 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Fabian Schittkowski Bernard Liechti Michèle Campana Service and Maintenance, Germany Sales, western Switzerland/France Sales, Ticino/Italy T +49 175 2283 382 T +41 79 285 80 18 T +41 91 943 55 64 fabian.schittkowski@blumer- [email protected] [email protected] lehmann.ch

www.blumer-lehmann.ch/silo 12/2018 32 /LEHMANN GROUP

Jobs in timber construction A wide variety of fields

Many, but not all, of our employees have devoted themselves to timber from the beginning of their careers. The different paths taken by Vinog- ithan, Markus, Valentin, Sascha and Cyrill each represent the opportuni- ties for further training and development, career changes, specialisation or ‘on-the-job’ development at the Lehmann Group. And their enthusiasm for the range of tasks they perform.

Markus Louis, Site Director, Vinogithan Blumer-Lehmann AG Premakumaran, Modular construction planning I GC projects, Blumer-Lehmann AG ‘Nobody stands still here!’ ‘I walk through the world with my eyes open and take in what I see.’ Markus Louis, Site Director at Blumer-Lehmann AG, actively ‘I’m drawing the first 3D design.’ observes what’s happening around him and draws conclusions. For Vinogithan Premakumaran and wood, it wasn't love at first He combines existing knowledge with new information, prob- sight. ‘I actually prefer concrete and steel.’ He gained experience lems with experiences. ‘That helps me find a solution quickly,’ he in planning timber constructions as an apprentice draughtsman, says. ‘That's what’s fun about my work.’ This quality is just part during his studies at Zurich University of Applied Sciences and of what has driven him in his 16 years at Blumer Lehmann. He as an architect at Bollhalder Eberle Architektur. For him person- seeks out contact with people and picks up on their personal ally, a sense of well-being previously came from working with needs. And he knows what’s required for good teamwork. Today, cool, thick walls. ‘I would never have thought that my office in he's responsible for 45 assembly staff – mostly carpenters. ‘My the modular construction department, surrounded by wooden goal is a happy employee who stays for a long time,’ he says. walls, could be so pleasant.’ Another thing that impresses him

about his work: ‘First of all, you have the logs from the forest, Marcus – himself a trained carpenter who has also qualified as a and at the end, you've got the house. At Erlenhof, you can see foreman – emphasises the difficulty of finding well-trained, the entire wood processing cycle.’ skilled staff time and again. For him, what makes a timber con- struction specialist stand out is professional skill, personal flexi- Since Vinoth has joined us, he has been in charge of planning GC bility and plenty of passion. ‘Our business is constantly develop- projects at Blumer-Lehmann AG together with his manager. ‘That ing. The projects change, the timber construction industry, the means talking to clients and construction managers, instructing methods, the production technology ... Here at Erlenhof, nobody draughtsmen and -women, assigning individual project tasks and stands still. Anyone who wants to can progress.’ assessing progress in construction. I’m a one-stop-shop where He personally finds change exciting and has taken the opportu- everything comes together.’ Thanks to his to-do list and commu- nities to develop himself. Each of his responsibilities has helped nication with the team, he can keep an eye on no less than him progress professionally and personally: taking charge of the 25 projects at a time. Vinoth saves lots of time down the line in assembly storeroom and the entire vehicle fleet, waste disposal the project workflow by creating a 3D drawing of the prelimi- at Erlenhof and the role of installation safety officer. Recently, nary project in CAD. ‘That makes me much quicker. The dimen- he has been taking on new strategic responsibilities as a new sions are recorded. You can monitor the design and use it for the member of the Executive Board at Blumer-Lehmann AG. building application. It also helps the client get a good under- standing of their project.’ This means that planning the entire project in 3D on a BIM platform together with all project stake- holders is a logical next step for him.

12/2018 www.lehmann-gruppe.ch Cyrill Bucher, Intern BSc Woodworking, University of Applied Sciences, Biel

‘The combination of studying and working with wood is the best path for me.’ Writing specifications, talking to tractor mechanics, identifying suppliers, testing tractors, visiting potential plat- form trailers, detail planning for resources, developing investment applications for the board. All in close col- laboration with colleagues from production and logistics. As an intern at Blumer-Lehmann AG, Cyrill Bucher is a little proud that he has already been able to implement an investment project from start to finish by himself. In June 2019 he will complete his Bachelor’s degree in woodworking at the Biel campus of the Bern University of Applied Sciences, specialising in PPM, process and product management. He is interested in internal company processes and facility planning. And this makes him the right man to evaluate which logis- tics resources should be acquired to help shape the internal transport of modular elements in the most financially efficient way possible.

In his nine-month internship, Cyrill is combining his timber-related expertise from his joinery apprenticeship with the theory from his first few years at university to perform his wide-ranging duties. As he is optimising internal processes, he identifies needs, assesses workflows, devel- ops recommendations and ultimately hits upon the solution as a ‘catalyst’. Cyrill knows the business and the people who work here. And he enjoys performing these tasks in a team and taking responsibility.

If he could, Cyrill would choose the same career path today all over again. Well, almost the same: ‘Today, I might do carpentry instead of joinery.’ In any case, a profession working with wood and then a degree on top. ‘It’s the best path if you have a professional aim like I do and aren't afraid of hard work. I can well imagine moving into the field of production engineering and digitisation.’

Valentin Nieder- mann, Head of Sascha Aerne, Technology and Project Manager, Processes, Leh- BL Silobau AG mann Holzwerk AG

‘Wood is a new material for me’ Although he's only been at Lehmann Holzwerk for a short time, Valentin Niedermann already knows many of his colleagues at ‘There’s no textbook for silo construction’ Erlenhof by name. An induction period? With his duties, that ‘Complex and architecturally challenging’ is how Sascha Aerne takes care of itself. The qualified multi-purpose mechanic, who is describes development in silo construction. ‘Sometimes, I’d al- also a trained project manager with an advances studies qualifi- most like a standard silo project now and then,’ he laughs. Yet cation in business management, is in charge of technology and whether it’s app-controlled, fully integrated silo facilities with processes at Erlenhof and is responsible for the planned expan- sophisticated architecture and lots of electronics or a mechanical sion of capacity in all areas of the business, i.e. for the entire silo tank: ‘The challenge lies in planning the exact system the Lehmann Group. Not an easy task, but an area that Valentin customer needs.’ knows well. Just working with wood is new to him. ‘Although I really always preferred wood, I previously worked in Sascha Aerne chose the carpentry apprenticeship at Blumer-Leh- metalworking and mechanical engineering,’ he says. Here at mann AG back in the day because he likes to construct, build and Erlenhof, it’s this experience as a project manager, his quick create. Later, he acquired experience on building sites all over mind and ability to draw conclusions that really count. Yet Switzerland. He could never have imagined himself working in Valentin could also imagine expanding his knowledge of wood at an office. Yet, several years ago, he swapped his work in assem- some stage. ‘Currently, it isn't top priority for my role. But know- bly for a structured day-to-day in the office at BL Silobau AG. ing the material and its possibilities better and expanding my He has now been planning and implementing silo facilities as a own horizons as a result is something I’m very interested in.’ project manager for eight years – in the office and in 3D on his computer. The role still fascinates him because: ‘We are constant- When he speaks to various people about the interests, processes ly looking for new applications and expanding our remit’. He of- and concerns of the different divisions of Lehmann Group, he ten draws on his knowledge from his training as a technical ap- is already dealing with ‘wood culture’ on a daily basis. He prentice as well as his skill as a carpenter and his practical describes the way people deal with each other as ‘pragmatic, experience. ‘I’d like to specialise in structural analysis,’ says which makes it very different from other industries. A bit more Sascha, ‘but the theory of how to build a silo can't be found in homely.’ any textbook. We have developed the knowledge with every single project and it is constantly growing.’

www.lehmann-gruppe.ch 12/2018 34 /LEHMANN WOOD PROCESSING

Naturally Swiss wood! A profile of Urban Jung, CEO Lehmann Holzwerk AG

Urban Jung inspects the quality of cut timber products.

Urban Jung is fascinated by the holistic pro- be reused. This has an impact on the produc- cessing of local wood. As CEO of Lehmann tion of process heat, which we also need to ex- Holzwerk AG, he is responsible for the sustain- pand. All in all, the investment means that we able timber cycle at Erlenhof, from log process- can massively increase our productivity in the ing and waste wood products to energy production of sawn timber, pellets, bark bri- production. He has clear ideas and urgent de- quettes, small animal litter and heat energy. At mands when it comes to the Swiss wood label, the same time, the new facilities are boosting and a vision that’s coming ever closer. automation so that our production can continue to be competitive and economically viable. At the moment, major changes lie ahead at These measures will also boost our internal Erlenhof. Urban, what does the planned value creation. expansion in capacity mean for Lehmann Holzwerk AG? Could you say that this investment is neces- We are expanding our existing facilities, the sary due to the increasing need for different sawmill and planing mill, with a sorting facility timber products? and a finger-jointing mill. In pellet production, Absolutely. Wood construction is enjoying a we need to expand our wood shavings drying global boom. Large-volume, multi-storey build- facility and our pellet press so that the addi- ings are increasingly being built from wood. We tional quantities of waste wood at Erlenhof can see that here in the sawmill and planing mill as

12/2018 www.lehmann-holz.ch 35

wood consumption increases. We’ve been per- ertheless, we also still require the FSC certifica- manently at full capacity for a year and a half. tion, particularly for our export activity. It’s a similar situation for wood pellets. In the past four years, production has increased by What does Swiss wood mean for the client and 20 % and we're expecting a further increase. their construction project? These trends confirm that it is right and worth- First of all, anyone who builds with wood is while that we handle the entire timber life cy- essentially already choosing a renewable raw cle, from log processing to building and silo material with lots of benefits: it's easy to ob- construction, here at Erlenhof. Concentrated tain, constantly grows back, requires little ener- expertise, joint development, intensive collabo- gy to process and is versatile. And then wood ration, rapid communication – these are key also has this positive impact on pretty much advantages we cherish and want to continue to everyone. It feels cosy. It’s pleasingly natural. expand in the long term. With certified Swiss wood, there’s the added In conversation with the logistics expert on the advantage that the client knows exactly where company site. What role does Swiss wood play in these fu- the material is coming from and that they are ture plans? actively saving energy due to short transport As ever, Swiss wood is our mainstay and will routes. Now, when I look at how solid wood construc- remain so. However, we are constantly forced With their choice, they are also supporting tion is evolving around the globe, that no to compete with abroad. That's our benchmark. Swiss forests, the local timber industry and lots longer seems too far off. And I also hope we’ll ‘Swiss wood’ needs to establish itself as its own of associated jobs. They are therefore making a get there soon here at Erlenhof! standard worldwide and the price for Swiss considerable contribution to a constructive val- wood needs to be able to keep up with foreign ue chain. wood. That’s the only way we can remain com- petitive. As an experienced timber specialist, what developments do you predict for the wood Erlenhof wood is already FSC certified. Why is industry? the Swiss wood label still so important? For 30 years – since my time as an apprentice Our wood comes from sustainable forestry in carpenter – I’ve seen how timber construction an area of around 80 kilometres surrounding and the wood industry have developed. In re- Erlenhof. This means it meets the high standard cent years, in particular, new technologies and of the Swiss wood label. It also stands out be- chemical processes have constantly opened up cause of short transport routes. In environmen- new uses for wood, such as insulation, packag- tal terms, that constitutes a major difference ing, fuel and much more. And, as we have from the FSC certification, which only means already mentioned, energy production from that the raw material comes from monitored, wood is also on the rise. But what I’m personal- sustainable forestry. The FSC doesn’t indicate ly most excited about is the development of anything about the country of origin and the modern solid wood construction. I’m convinced corresponding production standards. Nor does that there will be a whole lot of new develop- it indicate anything about the transport routes ments in this area in the years to come. Build- Up to 90 % Swiss wood from the local area is processed covered and the associated CO2 emissions. Nev- ing solid wood walls was always my vision. at the Lehmann Holzwerk.

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Pellets, briquettes and animal litter Swiss wood for sustainable warmth and security

Lehmann Holzwerk AG fully and sustainably processes logs that mostly come from Swiss forests. As well as classic sawn timber, other products are produced from saw and plane shavings and the bark that builds up as valuable ‘waste products’.

Pellets are an eco-friendly and economically viable way to heat your home. They can be used in pellet heating systems for CO2-neutral heat production. Another unique natural product produced from pure bark from local spruce and pine trees are our bark briquettes. They produce two to three times more energy and heat than hardwood. The briquettes, in the shape of a hexagonal cyl- Litter for small animals, also produced from our inder, are the ideal addition to wood fires and bark,is another product from Lehmann Holz­ can be used in stoves or fireplaces. werk AG. Available from selected retailers and pet product wholesalers, small pet owners appreciate the litter’s natural fresh smell and absorbency.

// Lehmann pellets

– Are made from saw and plane shavings from Swiss wood, without chemical additives – Provide clean and climate-neutral // Lehmann bark briquettes heating – Are cheaper than fossil fuels and – Produce a lot of heat pricing is not dependent on the price – Burn for a long time, up to around development of fossil fuels 10 hours – Have a low energy balance during – Require less storage space than production wood while producing the same // Animal litter – Are easy and compact to store amount of heat – Will also be available in sufficient – Are a CO2-neutral fuel – Ideal for small animals, birds and supply in future as the sustainable – Are ideal for stoves and fireplaces reptiles as well as garden design raw material wood is regrown in the – Made exclusively from Swiss spruce local area, also ensuring that hardly Sales units and pine bark any ‘grey energy’ is used in trans- – Highly absorbent port Bunch of 5 – Natural forest smell – Encourages small animals to nibble Sales units Pallet (144 bunches) and keeps them busy – 100 % compostable 15 kg bags

Big bags of 1,000 kg

Quantities by agreement

12/2018 www.lehmann-holz.ch CONTACTS/37

Lehmann Holzwerk AG Fascinating diversity

We process every bit of the wood

We are the heart of our sustainable timber cy- cle at Erlenhof. From log processing to energy production – at Lehmann Holzwerk, every bit of local wood is used.

// We offer a full range of: – Sawn timber – Rough-planed timber – Various assortments of slats – Façade cladding, balcony and terrace railings, floor strips, planed products – Packaging wood and timber for construction – Pellets, bark briquettes, bark litter for small animals

Urban Jung Pius Jung Florian Berger Armin Lambacher CEO Timber sales Timber sales Timber sales Timber, pellets, energy sales T +41 71 388 58 16 T +41 71 388 58 14 T +41 71 388 58 48 T +41 71 388 58 19 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Bernhard Reutimann Roger Wegmüller Andreas Forster Timber sales Logs and sawn timber purchasing Head of pellet mill production T +41 71 388 58 15 T +41 71 388 58 17 Pellet, briquette and animal litter [email protected] [email protected] sales T +41 71 385 36 70 [email protected]

www.lehmann-holz.ch 12/2018 38 /MISCELLANEOUS

Swiss Prix Lignum Gold for Chäserrugg!

The Chäserrugg mountain station: ‘A wood con- struction with its own vocabulary and own di- mension. Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron use wood in an exemplary fashion to build at this height. They integrate the existing ele- ments into a new whole that fits the surround- ings outstandingly thanks to the wood used. The result is not event architecture, but a pow- erful sense of peace on the mountain. This makes it a role model for many tourist opera- tors building in sensitive environments.’ This was high praise from the judging panel for the 2018 Prix Lignum. The summit building on Chäserrugg opened in had a major involvement in the implementa- up the mountain and the Alpine weather condi- 2015. In terms of wooden construction, the tion of the gold project. There was close tions at 2,267 m above sea level. The company building took the classic art of carpentry to collaboration with the architects as early as the Ghisleni Partner AG (St. Gallen / Rapperswil) had new heights: impressive overhangs, sharp roof project phase. Our team faced numerous chal- overall responsibility for site and construction vertices, huge balconies supported by concrete lenges in planning and implementing the con- management. trunks that look like trees. Blumer Lehmann struction, such as transporting the components

Innovation in wood A mock-up for India Sitting on Swiss products Free Form also works by hand

The Innovation Park in Dübendorf, a meeting The furniture was then milled from glue-lami- Our latest Free Form design, handmade this place for research, development and innova- nated wood on our CNC machine. time by our specialist Roli Aichele, is currently tion, opened in March 2018. In keeping with on the way to the customer in India where it the theme of the park, various pieces of out- will act as an advertisement for modern wood door furniture made from spruce decorate the construction outside the Vadehra Art Gallery in outside of the information pavilion. The sculp- New Delhi. tures were inspired by Swiss inventions: a Lin- dor truffle, a Freitag bag as a relaxed bench, a huge On trainer to lie in or a massive cricket from the company Essento that specialises in edible insects. Our architect from the Free Form department based the outdoor furniture on scanned data.

Bees cause a buzz ‘Bienen-Werte’ Learning Centre

In September 2018, the ‘Bienen-Werte’ Learn- www.bienen-werte.ch). The apiaries were built ing Centre opened at the Untere Waid high from bee-friendly wood and blend into the nat- school in Mörschwil. Here, a trail open to the ural environment. A special feature of the public imparts plenty of useful information on façade's formwork in spruce is the 3D milled bees and the role they play in nature. In an honeycomb shapes that have already become a experiment and teaching room with interactive widely noted symbol of the centre. stations, registered groups can learn about bees in a fun environment (register on

12/2018 www.blumer-lehmann.ch INTERNAL/39

2018 summer party Erlenhof in search of its super troupe

Giving their best again and again seems to be part of our employees’ DNA. Not just at work! They did it again at this year’s summer party, where we went in search of Erlenhof’s super troupe. Twelve departments rehearsed their own performances in advance. What took place at the big event was then nothing short of phe- nomenal: acrobatics, dancing, mime, structures, spoken word, engine noises and much more! Our winners were the super troupe from silo construction, led by team captain Erich Eisen- lohr.

// Space is tight at Erlenhof

As we need more space for our com- Wood construction project management pany premises, we have submitted a office expansion request to the municipality of Gossau for a partial rezoning. This project re- Second-hand modules with prospects quires a shift of the Loobach creek and changes to the access road. We hope that this move will help remedy Our wood construction project management been expanded and a second-hand modular our lack of space, permitting added team is constantly growing and had been scat- construction added. As we are also slowly run- investment in future. This also in- tered around various locations on site. To en- ning out of space on the ground, we have built cludes a permanent location for our sure that the newly formed specialist team is it on a lofty metal structure. We are convinced project management offices. able to benefit from faster and more direct that this location will enable our project man- channels of communication around its supervi- agement team to continue keeping an eye on sor Christian Lüthi, the existing offices have everything while looking ahead to the future.

www.blumer-lehmann.ch 12/2018 Cover and back page: Pavilion at the Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, Dübendorf.

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Publisher Photography Blumer-Lehmann AG Jan Bolomey Erlenhof Claude Hausammann / various 9200 Gossau Design and printing Concept Appenzeller Druckerei AG, Blumer-Lehmann AG 9100 Herisau

Text and editorial Print run Blumer-Lehmann AG/ German: 10,000 Esther Dossenbach, English: 1,000 Helden und Taten French: 250 www.blumer-lehmann.ch